Should the Browns Be Ready for Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh Sunday?

While it’s probably a reach, the Steelers announced today that QB Ben Roethlisberger was on the practice field, albeit in a limited role today as the Steelers prepare for the Browns.

The quarterback was hurt in Sunday’s 38-35 win over the Raiders when he was tripped up by Raiders LB Aldon Smith. It looked it could have been a serious injury, but the QB already has shed his protective walking boot and is progressing ahead of schedule” from his foot sprain.

Browns defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil said today he wouldn’t exactly be shocked to see Roethlisberger Sunday.

“I can’t say I would be surprised if it was Ben, but we are prepared to see Ben if he decides to play,” O’Neil said.

“I know he’s played through some significant injuries in the past in his career. I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw some (Steelers QB) Michael Vick. We are prepared as a defense to see all three if the Steelers want to go in that direction.”

While again it would be a stretch to see Roethlisberger play, the Browns have to be ready, as well as for backup Landry Jones, who finished the game last week and led the Steelers on a game-winning drive in the final minutes.

O’Neil spoke about how the Steelers offense is different with Jones under center instead of Big Ben.

“I thought it changed a lot when they played Kansas City. I think as he’ gotten more [reps] – he got in there in Arizona. He was in there obviously last week in the fourth quarter of that game – it didn’t change much,” O’Neil said.

“It’s probably more offensive coordinator driven than Ben at the line of scrimmage. I think he’ll probably have more freedom to do some things off what he sees on the defense than maybe one of the other quarterbacks, but I don’t see it changing too much.”